Issue 4, April 2018
Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)
Children who experience trauma often demonstrate a range of physical, intellectual, and behavioral conditions that can compromise their success in school, at home, and in other social settings. To better meet the needs of children who have experienced trauma, professionals and caregivers are encouraged to learn more about and alter their response to traumatized children. Many schools and systems that serve youth are also working to become "trauma-informed." This shift in how we address the needs of traumatized children has been informed by data estimating that 10-20 % of children experience post-traumatic like symptoms following a single trauma event and if left untreated, can result in health-related problems well into adulthood. (Hiller & Halligan, 2018 para. 4)
This month's Montana Minute focuses on trauma and better understanding and helping children who experience trauma. We have included a training module that explains the complexities of trauma and provides practical suggestions on how to best manage children who have experienced trauma. Finally, we describe the ACE study and how the findings from this research are being used to help prevent long-term health problems.
The University of Montana's Center for Children, Families, and Workforce Development was established in 2015 to partner with the child protection, health, educational, and judicial systems to develop and deliver educational and training resources to professionals and caregivers statewide. The Center also conducts research that focuses on solving problems that impact children and families. The Center receives support from the University of Montana, College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences, and School of Social Work.
|
